Final answer:
Judges are permitted to depart from the federal sentencing guidelines. False.
Step-by-step explanation:
Judges are permitted to depart from the federal sentencing guidelines. False. The federal sentencing guidelines are established to provide a consistent framework for judges to determine appropriate sentences for federal offenses. However, judges do have the discretion to deviate from these guidelines in certain circumstances. For example, if the judge finds that there are mitigating factors or other justifications, they may depart from the suggested sentence range. In such cases, judges must explain their reasons for departure in the court's written order.